Group Members

Postdoctoral Researchers

Dr. Mohan Muppidi, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Sep-2023 to till date)

Email: gnb37@txstate.edu

Education & Experience:

Postdoctoral Research Fellow: University of Texas at San Antonio.
Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, India.
Master of Science (M. Sc): Organic Chemistry from Andhra University, Andhra Pradesh, India

Dr. Manju Sheokand

Postdoctoral Research Associate(May-2024 to till date)

Email: gka33@txstate.edu

Education & Experience:

Research Scientist: Sharp Mint Limited, Delhi, India
PhD in Organic Electronics Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore, India
Master of Science (M.Sc.): Organic Chemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India

PhD Students

Maurico Jemal - MSEC PhD Student
Email: maujemal@txstate.edu

Malay Das

Email: mk.das@txstate.edu

My Research project is focused on study of non-canonical nucleic acid structures and ligands. I have explored what sequences and what environmental conditions favor the formation of these non-canonical structures. I have also explored the design of improved DNAzymes for biosensing and therapeutic applications, leveraging the unique properties of G-triplex DNA.

Md Shamsul Alam- MSEC PhD Student

Email: shamsul@txstate.edu

Md Shamsul Alam is a dedicated PhD student exploring innovative methods for synthesizing complex, multicyclic heterocyclic scaffolds.

Michell Myhre – IMBC PhD Student
Email: mwm95@txstate.edu

MS Students

Tionna Scott - Biochemistry MS Bridge Scholar
Email: tss76@txstate.edu

Currently pursuing a master’s in biochemistry and working on the computational study of N-alkynlazole mediated amide bond formation. Previously through an NSF REU, I worked on the study of the KCNQ1/KCNE1 channel at Miami University.

Chandana Davuluri- Chemistry MS Student

Email: ugg16@txstate.edu

Currently pursuing a master’s in chemistry and working as a Graduate Instructional Assistant.". Previously worked as a Research Trainee at Eisai Pharmaceuticals and Hetero Drugs Limited, focusing on pharmaceutical research.

Hailey Dudley-Biochemistry MS Student

Email: hkd14@txstate.edu

Josue Gold -Biochemistry MS Student

Email: j_g269@txstate.edu

I am a first-year graduate student in Dr. Kerwin’s lab, and I will be studying DNA G-quadruplexes and G-triplexes. The main goal of our project is to find novel ligands for these non-canonical nucleic acid structures. I have experience working in retail and hospital pharmacies and as a secondary teacher.

Undergraduate Students

Breton Guggina- Chemistry

Email: ylt7@txstate.edu

Tegan Dagley - Biochemistry

Email: hgq14@txstate.edu

I am an undergraduate student at Texas State studying Biochemistry. I am currently working on the N-alknynylazole synthesis project in the Kerwin lab.

Lucas Ferguson - Biochemistry (URISE Scholar)

Email: lxm11@txstate.edu

I am an undergraduate student studying Biochemistry at Texas State URISE scholar, and I am pursuing undergraduate research to prepare me for graduate school.

Mackenzie Huffman - Chemistry

Email: fah34@txstate.edu

Will Campbell - Biochemistry

Email: ebk26@txstate.edu

I am currently a sophomore pursuing a B.S in Biochemistry. My research interest is on cancer stem cells and novel ligands that can attack their unique cellular and oncogenetic makeup.

Nikki Ziaei - Microbiology

Email: yzj11@txstate.edu

I am a sophomore dual majoring in biochemistry and microbiology.

Connor Rocha

Email: tiw21@txstate.edu

I am Biochemistry student at Texas State University, aspiring to pursue graduate studies.

Technical staff

Adrian Fernandez

Email: Alf144@txstate.edu

M.S. Biochemistry graduate specializing in the synthesis and characterization of novel poly-ether rylene dyes, with a focus on their unique thermodynamic, supramolecular, and photophysical properties, analyzed through advanced spectroscopic and microscopic techniques.

SMK Group Alumni

Postdoctoral Researchers:

Dr. Pete Theisen
Dr. Ramesh Dasari
Dr. Christophe Laroche
Dr. Wen Tai Li
Dr. Subrata Mandel
Dr. Xin Lin
Dr. Hansong Chen
Dr. Isil Dilek
Dr. Aibin Zhang
Dr. Dalip Kumar
Dr. K.S. Ravikumar
Dr. Huafeng (Bill) Shen
Dr. Blain Mamiya
Dr. Elvira Reisgo
Dr. Shachita Sarker
Dr. Anthony Watson
Dr. Mark DeLuca
Dr. Pei Wang Thomas
Dr. Devinder Kumar
Dr. Ali Mohammad
Dr. Arti Pothukuchy
Dr. Swapna Moharana

PhD Students:

Dominic McBayer

(Biochemistry 2015)

Brandon Reinus

(Chemistry 2019)

Michelle Schoonover

(Biochemistry 2012)

Jing (Jeannie) Li

(Medicinal Chemistry 2011)

Wendy Marriner

(Chemistry 2009)

Mireya McKee

(Biochemistry 2007)

Bodin Tuesuwan

(Medicinal Chemistry 2007)

Asha Nadipuram

(Medicinal Chemistry 2005)

Liping Feng

(Medicinal Chemistry 2005)

Jonathan Kern

(Biochemistry 2002)

Wendi David

(Medicinal Chemistry 2000)

Mark McPhee

(Medicinal Chemistry 1999)

Masters Students:

Adrain Fernandez

(Chemistry 2024)

Mitchell Myhre

(Bio chemistry 2023)

Elizabeth Williams

(Bio chemistry 2023)

Marc Rodriguez

(Bio chemistry 2022)

Jennifer Navarro

(Chemistry 2022)

Blanca Esteve

(Chemistry 2021)

Ashley Jewett

(Chemical Biology and medicinal chemistry 2019)

Mauricio Jemal

(Bio chemistry 2020)

Chelsea Davis

(Bio chemistry 2020)

Brandie Taylor

(Bio chemistry 2020)

Amanda Bohanon

(Bio chemistry 2019)

Kimberly Long

(Biochemistry 2018)

Harrison Bracey

(Biochemistry 2018)

Olaf Bjornstal

(Medicinal Chemistry 2017)

Brad Gilbreath

(Medicinal Chemistry 2014)

Brian Kanz

(Medicinal Chemistry 2014)

Michael Reynolds

(Medicinal Chemistry 1999)

Undergraduate Students (since 2015):

Chanoddom Mondole